How much do you know about weight loss and obesity? What does your weight have to do with your health? In fact, the answer to that question is a lot. The more we learn about weight loss, the more we realize how important it is to overall health.
You may wonder why there is so much concern about weight loss issues today. There was a time when many stories appeared in the media about the dangers of girls and young women aiming to be a size zero. It seemed like every model was skeleton thin which was soon identified as unhealthy both physically and mentally.The emphasis on looks and the aspiration to be pencil thin was definitely a problem.
Now that we see plus size models the world is definitely better off. However if you are thinking that your weight is no longer important, I have bad news.
You have to know that being overweight brings real health risks. Many studies have shown that there are serious health problems linked to obesity.
We have learned a lot about the effects of obesity on the human body. We know that people who are overweight and obese have increased risks for diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, sleep apnea and some types of cancer. Research shows that early onset of obesity seems to cause many types of cancers in adults. So obesity is a risk factor for several conditions that make us unhealthy. There is now evidence that more than half of those who die of heart disease are obese.
If you are obese you have an increased risk of early death.
We learn about weight loss importance, but we don’t change. Why?
So with so much evidence about the risks associated with obesity, why is the percentage of overweight people growing. Our efforts to get thinner do not seem to be working very well. The problem is not only that we are overweight but that we are overweight by choice. Carrying extra weight even if modest, can result in long-term harm to our bodies, so why don’t we change?
The most important factor in successfully losing weight is taking responsibility for your current situation. You may try to blame your genes, or your parents or the fact you don’t have time to prepare proper food but that won’t wash. It doesn’t matter what may have contributed you need to accept responsibility otherwise you can’t change.
You may have tried losing weight in the past by going on a diet. Many dieters find that they lose weight but then put it back on again. This can lead to a perpetual cycle of yo-yo dieting which is not only unhealthy but depressing also.
It is a fact that this continual battle with weight loss can lead to depression and mental health issues. Many studies have found that obese people have increased rates of anxiety and depression. But so too do extremely thin people. It seems like our weight is a constant source of worry.
How to lose weight successfully
The thing is you need to ditch the yo yo dieting. Crash diets may sometimes have a place if you have an event coming up that you just need to shift a few pounds to get in to your best dress. But they are not a long term solution.
Rather than “going on a diet” you need to change your lifestyle and attitude to food. If you build healthy attitudes to food into your daily life then you will set yourself on the path to sustained weight control.
Look at the patterns in your life. Are there situations where you always succumb to temptation. If you always grab fast food on your way home from work then change your route so that you don’t pass your favorite food place.
If you grab a chocolate bar at morning break then take an apple from home and replace with that. Tell your colleagues that you are on a mission so that they don’t tempt you. You may even find an accountability partner among them who will join you.
Food addictions can seem overwhelming. Many people have a sugar craving that is hard to ditch. The best way to get around this is to stay away from situations where you will be tempted. If you don’t have cookies or cakes in the house then you can’t eat them. This is more difficult if you have a family who are not on the journey with you. Our eating patterns are set at a young age so encouraging your children to eat healthily is a good thing.
Find an exercise that you enjoy. Start small if need be but do something every day. Walk instead of taking the bus or driving. Join a yoga class or a dance class. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Concentrate on what you will gain
Obviously for many people the way they look is often the driving factor in wanting to learn about weight loss methods. But there is so much more to be gained.
Many obese people also have a hard time walking or even doing simple everyday tasks. They tend to be frustrated and angry because they can’t climb stairs or walk round the block without getting breathless. They get angry at the people around them but also at themselves.
If you have children, think about how much you are missing out as a family if you can’t play with them.
Plan your meals in advance
One of the most common reasons to deviate from your eating plan is a sudden change in your schedule. If you are late getting home then it is easy to just grab anything to eat. Consider batch cooking meals and freezing some so you always have something healthy you can defrost.
Make a meal plan for the week so that you know what you need to get in and won;t have to conjure something up at the last minute.
Look for healthy alternatives to your usual choices. Use more vegetables in your meals, this will satisfy you without piling on the pounds.
Can you think yourself thin?
As I said before, you have to take responsibility and learn about weight loss and why you need to keep a healthy BMI. Then you have to put it into action. A lot of the success of a weight loss program is dependent on your mindset. So while it may seem unlikely you could actually think yourself thin, there are rituals that you can perform that give you the best chance of losing weight successfully. Willpower alone is not enough but there is a very simple technique that helps you lose weight. When you combine it with a good diet and exercise it can lead to lasting weight loss.
Click here for a free lasting weight loss program. Its based on science and biology.
How much do you want to lose weight?
It may come down to how much do you actually want it. Effective weight loss diet plans are available. They can work, and they can help you lose weight.
The risk of developing obesity and a variety of other serious health problems by overeating and then gaining weight are too great to ignore. You need to acknowledge the risk, and then decide if you want to change. The path to successful weight loss can be difficult and frustrating, but it is also important. The important thing is to take the time to explore options and decide on the best plan for you. Try the free plan above to see if it helps. If not find another plan.
If you value your health then learn about weight loss and begin today to change your life for the better.
